McCarthy: New Access Ramps to Railway Line a Positive Step, September 2017

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Cllr Kieran McCarthy has expressed his concerns that a happier balance needs to be maintained between cyclists and pedestrians on the Old Railway Line. To facilitate improved access, new access ramps between Mahon & the Passage to Docklands Greenway will be complete and ready for use very shortly. The ramps are designed at a shallow gradient to facilitate ease of access for pedestrians & cyclists. The work was funded by the National Transport Authority, designed by Cork City Council Roads Design Office and constructed by McGinty & O’Shea Ltd. A follow-on landscaping contract (sponsored by a local developer) will be undertaken in the coming weeks. This larger project is currently under development with Part 8 Planning, detailed design and construction tendering scheduled for 2018.The overall objective of the package of work is to enhance the attractiveness of the greenway and optimise the number of pedestrians & cyclists using it.

Cllr McCarthy noted: “The project is phase one of a larger plan to enhance and improve the full length of the Greenway including additional access ramps, widened and improved pavements, public lighting, cctv, landscaping etc. When complete, the greenway will serve as both a recreational and commuter route for cyclists & pedestrians only living in the city centre (or along the route) and working in Mahon”.

In addition, the Mahon Bus Gate, situated at the eastern end of St Michael’s Drive, is now complete and operational. Mahon Point Shopping Centre now serves as the terminus point for the very popular 202 Route. The terminus is situated in close proximity to the Mahon Point Shopping Centre entrance thereby facilitating passengers comfort and convenience as they can wait within the Centre until their bus arrives.

Cllr McCarthy notes; “I welcome the erection of a real time passenger display panel to inform passengers of the expected arrival time for the next bus. It is great to see national funding being invested into the south-east ward. The Bus Gate was funded by the National Transport Authority, designed by Cork City Council Roads Design Office and constructed by McGinty & O’Shea Ltd.